MACRO PULSE
2026 Outlook: Charting the Year Ahead

As investors look to 2026, markets are defined by tension. Our Global Market Strategy team shares their outlook.

     

From the Global Market Strategy Team: How a U.S. government shutdown hits the strategist desk Get Our Insights >

     

Smart insights drive stronger portfolios

We leverage proprietary research and collaborate with investment teams across New York Life Investment Management to offer timely answers to the questions facing investors today in key areas:

     

        

Macro Pulse

Get the latest global, economic, geopolitical, and asset allocation views

   

   

Iran conflict has reversed nearly two years of disinflation

Recent headlines have highlighted pockets of stress in private credit. But focusing only on risks misses a more nuanced story: institutional demand remains robust, and credit fundamentals remain healthy. As we move later in the economic cycle, however, performance dispersion is likely to rise, making manager selection increasingly important.

   

  

Read Macro Pulse Report: Dog Days, Data Shifts                         

  

    

Separating Signal from Noise in Private Credit

Private credit has grown meaningfully over the past 15 years, but recent headlines have raised questions about further growth. In this episode of Market Matters, Sarah Hirsch shares webinar excerpts from her conversation with Frantz Paulus of Apogem Capital on what investors should focus on as the asset class matures.

Strong Earnings, Untested Risks

Q1 earnings season delivered unusually strong results, with broad-based earnings growth and resilient margins despite geopolitical and energy-related pressures. In this Market Insights video, Julia Hermann discusses why broadening earnings growth and continued tech leadership can coexist, and what rising input costs could mean for sector positioning and diversification.

    

   

   

Geopolitics & Politics

Understand why geopolitics matter more today and how investors can adapt

Key investor questions:

  • How is the geopolitical landscape different today?
  • How can investors account for geopolitical risk?
  • What are the risks that would most disrupt consensus? 
Geopolitics world map

   

     

   

Megatrends
Make the future state tangible for investing today

2025 | Trust or Bust: The Next Era of Global Debt Sustainability

The choices governments make will shape long-term capital markets assumptions around inflation, interest rates, and potential growth; and will influence asset allocation.

A global debt sustainability framework:

        

     

Private Markets

Navigate the next phase of global private markets

Key investor questions:

  • How does an extended but maturing private markets cycle change where investors should be selective across private equity, private credit, real estate, and real assets?
  • Where are the most compelling opportunities as policy support, easing financial conditions, and elevated long-term rates reshape valuations, deal activity, and underwriting discipline? 
  • How are global transitions such as AI, digitization, electrification, and supply chain reconfiguration creating long-term, capital-intensive opportunities across private markets?

 

Prospective investors should be aware that investments in private funds or alternative investment strategies are suitable only for qualified investors who do not require liquidity and who can bear the economic risk, including the potential for a complete loss, of their investment. Investors are encouraged to consult their tax or legal advisors before making such investments.

 


Video: Private Markets Outlook - Extending the Cycle

     

   

About Global Market Strategy 

Our team of market strategists connects macroeconomics to asset allocation. We provide actionable insight into market-driving events, structural themes, and portfolio construction to empower investment decision-making.

      

Lauren Goodwin, CFA
Chief Market Strategist

Julia Hermann, CFA
Global Market Strategist

Michael LoGalbo, CFA
Global Market Strategist

Sarah Hirsch
Global Market Strategist

      


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